is my fish "normal" - dorsal fin

[AliciaH]

After looking at pictures of other peoples bettas, I wonder if my betta's dorsal fin is normal? What you see in my avatar is basically how he holds his fins most of the time, unless he's flaring. It seems like his dorsal fin is flopped over compared to other pictures I've seen.

I have had him since January. He lives in a 2 gallon aquarium with filter and heater. He's looked this way since I got him, so I didn't think much of it until I looked at other pictures of veiltails. He's not a bubble nest builder either :( ... he made one nest when I first brought him home and haven't seen one since. I don't know if he looks kinda scraggly because of some issue or if he's just not the prettiest fish in town, lol.

[bloo97]

Lucky's fin droops down all the time. I don't think you need to worry.

Not all betta fish build bubblenests. He may just not be ready to breed.

[AnimeFish]

Most of the VT that I've seen are like that. Even others like CT.

[AliciaH]

Okay, that's good to know :)

I was also wondering now what is considered "lethargic" for a betta. I have been spending more time at home recently, more time observing Mr. Fishey, so I'm probably being slightly paranoid... He spends time sitting near the bottom of the tank, even at 78-80 degrees, probably equal to the amount of time he spends moving around, in spurts. Swim, then sit, swim then sit... is he "normal" or bored perhaps or maybe I should be worried?

[XrAdEr]

I see most VT's like that unless they are flaring.

[Allenbetta]

Originally Posted by AliciaH

Okay, that's good to know :)

I was also wondering now what is considered "lethargic" for a betta. I have been spending more time at home recently, more time observing Mr. Fishey, so I'm probably being slightly paranoid... He spends time sitting near the bottom of the tank, even at 78-80 degrees, probably equal to the amount of time he spends moving around, in spurts. Swim, then sit, swim then sit... is he "normal" or bored perhaps or maybe I should be worried?

Unless he refuses to eat anything and in spastic abruptly,you shouldn't be worry about that.

[AliciaH]

Thanks everyone

[bettaowner101]

If your betta fish is not eating at all and resting a lot, then I would worry. My yellow Fancy Tail guppy gets tired a lot and goes to the bottom of the tank for a few minutes. This is common and my guppy eats all the time.

[AliciaH]

He's eating like a champ... I guess my inexperience was freaking me out a bit. He's actually my 21-month-old daughter's fish,(his tank is in her room & she likes to give him kisses on the tank, lol) so it would be sad if I managed to lose him due to my own ignorance.